When people think of New York, the first thing that comes to mind generally isn’t the state parks. But believe it or not, New York is home to over 200 state parks and trust me when I say, Stony Brook State Park is one that you cannot miss!
For when you’re craving a scenic escape from the cities of Western New York, you need not look any further than this natural wonderland. Located in Dansville, this stunning park offers cascading waterfalls, easy walking trails, and plenty of family-friendly amenities. It’s the perfect place whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a picnicking family, or a nature lover seeking a refreshing dip. It truly has something for everyone!
This blog post will be your guide to discovering Stony Brook State Park. From location details and preparations to visiting, to what you can expect during your time there, I will be covering it all. So lace up your sneakers, grab your swimsuit and get ready to discover the beauty of this very special place.
Getting to Stony Brook State Park
Stony Brook State Park is located in Steuben County, New York, south of Dansville in the northwestern part of New York State. It’s location is close enough to multiple major cities making it a perfect road trip or fun day trip. Below I will list some cities with a close enough radius to Stony Brook State Park, making it a worth while visit:
- Buffalo– 77 miles, 1.5 hr drive
- Rochester– 54 miles, 1 hr drive
- Syracuse– 107 miles, 2 hr drive
- Ithaca– 95 miles, 1.5 hr drive
- NYC– 300 miles, 5 hr drive
Side Note: Stony Brook State Park is located only 20 miles from Letchworth State Park, making it very doable to see both during the same trip. For a full guide on Letchwork State Park, check out my blog post here.
Know Before You Go
Just some important things to know and practices to keep in mind before your trip to Stony Brook State Park.
Park Entrance Fee
Since most New York State parks are not accessible by foot or public transportation, entrance fees are not charged by person, but by vehicle. The fee to enter Stony Brook State Park is $9 per vehicle. At time of payment you may also ask for a map of the park, which can come in handy.
Practice the Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Before heading out to any park it’s always a good reminder to practice the Leave No Trace principles. Incase you’re unfamiliar, or haven’t heard them in a while, here’s a quick refresher to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead and prepare– Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces– Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites
- Dispose of Waste Properly– pack it in, pack it out!
- Minimize Campfire Impacts– keep fires small and put out campfires completely
- Leave What You Find– “take only pictures, leave only footprints”
- Respect Wildlife– Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.Never feed animals.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors– “Treat others the way you would like to be treated” is a rule that applies in the outdoors, too.
Stony Brook State Park Camping Grounds & Amenities
Stony Brook State Park offers a rustic camping experience with 120 campsites scattered among the hilly woodlands upstream from the waterfalls of the park. Here’s a little breakdown of the different options:
- Campsites: 83 regular, non-electric sites, which accommodate 6 occupants, 2 camping units, 2 vehicles, 1 fire ring and a table. Cost: $15/ night
- XL Campsites; 5 large, non-electric sites, which accommodate 8 occupants, 4 tents, 2 vehicles, 1 fire ring and 2 tables. Cost: $5/ night
- Cabins: 8 rustic, non-electric cabins, which accommodate 4 occupants, 2 vehicles, and each include 1 bunk bed, 1 double bed, 1 fire ring, and a table. Cost: $45.50/ night
- Group Campsite: Secluded area, which accommodates 60 occupants and 10 vehicles. Cost: $90/ night
Amenities/ Facilities:
- Comfort station with hot showers and flush toilets are available in each camping loop
- Water is available at the Sump Station and shared water spigots are located in each camping loop
- Firewood is sold by a vendor located outside of the park
- Generator use is allowed but only during the hours of 9am to 11amd and 5pm to 9pm
- Other amenities include a guarded swimming pool, tennis courts, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground
Reservations must be made through Reserve America. You can make campsite reservations up to 9 months in advance for a minimum stay of 1 night. To make campsite reservations, click here.
A few other things to note: check in is at 3pm, check out is at 11am, 2 pets are allowed per site but must be leashed at all times, and lastly, alcohol is NOT permitted in the campground area.
The Hiking Trails at Stony Brook State Park
One of the most beautiful features and best reasons for visiting Stony Brook State Park is for the hiking trails. There’s three hiking trails that visitors can choose from and each of these connect the picnic area to the campground. They are listed below:
- Gorge Trail- .75 mile
- West Rim Trail- .85 mile
- East Rim Trail- 1.5 miles
As you can see, the trails are all moderate in length, which makes for an adventure the whole family can be a part of. There are two general preferences that visitors choose from. The most popular is the Gorge Trail. The more challenging adventure combines the Eat Rim and the Gorge Trail which makes for a 2.3 mile loop. Either way, you’ll make your way past some incredible views, including the park’s waterfalls, which we will talk about next.
The Waterfalls of Stony Brook State Park
Stony Brook State Park is home to three beautiful, cascading waterfalls. These waterfalls, which are referred to as Lower, Middle and Upper Falls, can all be experienced by walking the Gorge Trail. Lower Falls is the first large falls you will come across on the trail. This stunning waterfall is 40ft high and is very picturesque. Middle Falls is 20ft and Upper Falls is the largest of the three at 45ft. Along the way you will also encounter plenty of smaller falls that truly add to the magical scenery.
Other Things to Know
Just a few other things to know about visiting Stony Brook State Park.
Picnic Areas
There are two picnic areas in the park. Each one has a shelter, which can be reserved in advance. Clara Barton is located on the North side of the park and Shawmut is located on the South side of the park. The picnic areas also have tables, grills, there’s a playground, and lots of space for families and children. I found that this was a perfect feature as I brought lunch with me and was able to sit down and eat after walking the trails.
Swimming Information
Stony Brook State Park is definitely a place you will want to bring your swimsuit as swimming is a very popular activity here. However, it is only allowed in designated supervised areas when a lifeguard is on duty, to ensure everyone’s safety. Swimming areas may be closed due to weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to call the park office ahead of time for confirmation.
Enjoy Your Time at Stony Brook State Park
Stony Brook State Park truly is a New York gem that everyone should experience. This park has a little something for everyone and is the perfect city escape or nature retreat. I hope this guide has helped answer any questions you may have had about visiting and has encouraged you to experience this remarkable park for yourself. Please leave any additional questions or comments below and happy travels!
[…] For more information on Stony Brook State Park, check out my full guide here. […]